“This time, with Metal Gear Solid V, the themes are a little different from previous games in the series,” said series creator Hideo Kojima in the video. “We’re taking on some very heavy subjects such as race and revenge. I wanted Snake to have a more subdued performance, expressed through subtle facial movements and tone of voice rather than words.”

“Furthermore,” Kojima said, “the game takes place in 1984, when Snake is 49 years old. Therefore, we needed someone who could genuinely convey the facial and vocal qualities of a man in his late 40’s.”

In addition to voicing Snake, Sutherland also participated in facial capture sessions for the game’s animation. He replaces David Hayter, a voice actor who has provided the instantly recognizable voice of Snake since the first Metal Gear Solid game in 1998.